Astrology on TV

[charmvirgo]

What if there was a serious TV program on astrology?
I would like to see something reaching the masses about serious astrology through TV. Something equivalent to this website in the type of people it would attract and the information that is discussed.
It would raise astrology consciousness more than ever before to reach the masses and show astrology as it is meant to be, instead of just one paragraph in a newspaper about Sun signs.

Every week on the programme the current long and short term planetary aspects could be examined for their effects.
There could be astro predictions based on coming aspects.
Each week a different expert could talk about their own particular area of knowledge, study and interest.
A forum of astrologers in the studio could discuss a selection of topics, maybe which are suggested by the viewers.
Different types of astrology can be compared.
Astrology terms can be explained.
Visual screen animations can show planetary movement as well as visual representations of mathematical calculations for different points etc.
Viewers could be asked to participate by a comparison of viewers charts in looking for similar aspects or positions etc for various professions or events in theor lives marked by a transit etc.
There could be phone in questions by viewers about anything on astrology generally or about specific charts.
There could be a short quiz for viewers (phone or in studio) to answer random questions on astrology and win a chart reading by a famous astrologer done onscreen, or win a course on astrology etc.
Celebrity charts could be examined or a celebrity could have their chart interpreted on camera.
There could be mystery chart readings for a volunteer unknown viewers who indicate if the reading is accurate.
There could be suggestions of good astrology books, websites, software, courses etc.
There could be structured astrology lessons to follow as part of the TV programme.
And more...quote from Radu:
The idea is great, I think. Partly, it has already been done - at least in Romania, there is a quite serious TV program with an astrologer interpreting astrology transits for the week and explaining influences for the week ahead for all signs. On another channel some astrologer did some live natal chart interpretations for phone in viewers.
I assume that there might already be similar programs in America.

This idea could be probably best put to practice by an active astrological association whose members would agree to be filmed while lecturing or discussing on certain topics. Or some guy could attend different astrological conferences and lectures with a camera and then just broadcast them on TV or even online.

A website could be built with all these lectures, available just a click away.

I have some videos here
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/video/ (http://www.astrologyweekly.com/video/)
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/misc/jp-morgan.php (http://www.astrologyweekly.com/misc/jp-morgan.php)
http://www.astrologyweekly.com/misc/astrology-works.php (http://www.astrologyweekly.com/misc/astrology-works.php)
But there could be zillions of such videos...

I did a search for Astrology TV programmes and the only thing I could find was a live German internet channel called Astro TV (but I don't speak German and that is not TV proper).
I found that on Indian TV they do have TV programmes that incorporate some Astrology, amongst other mystical subject matters, where they invite famous Vedic astrologers sometimes.
Romania is traditionally associated with Astrology, so that is the most likely place to find serious Astrology TV programmes. But my search did not bring up any of these.

On the whole, Astrology is laughed at and mostly when Astrology is mentioned it is to put it down.

Does anybody out there have any serious Astrology TV programmes in their country? (And which does not try and 'dumb it down' or simplify it for mass consumption.)

[Derestanne]

The American Public Access TV channels are an inexpensive avenue to get "alternative" topics and opinions on Cable Television. I was a guest on such a program in Denver, Colorado many years ago.

The problem is that these Channels are often State Funded and the money is drying up, so the Studio's are closing. Politics also appears to play a role, as "minority view" programs often raise important and embarrasing questions about the operations of Local, City and State Government.

In mid-summer of 2006 I took a bold step and bought some air time with my local Community AM Radio Station, WTAN. The Program I created, called "Starscope" was soon popular with Tampa Bay Florida Area listeners. I regularly ran interviews with Local and National Astrologers. Some of my Guests included Donnalyn Kirchner and well known Author Joyce Levine. Possibly my most interesting guest was Dr. Shelley Kaehr, Herself the Host of "Beyond Reality Radio"; the archives of which are available on the BBS Radio Network Online.

I started broadcasting Starscope at the onset of a Mercury Retrograde and that proved fatal in the long run. Despite considerable efforts I was unable to secure a strong enough base of paid sponsorship to keep the Program going beyond the first three months. My naive belief was that once the community heard how great the Show was, the money to keep it afloat would follow. I was wrong. Instead it was, "build it and they'll come" - not! And that is my Radio Endeavor lesson to share: Before you do anything else, determine where the money will come from to pay for the expenses involved in a Media Presentation. Without Sponsors and Income, you will be "dead in the water" in a very short time!

[Eveningsong]

You know what is so interesting about this is a lot of people use Astrology daily in the Stock Market etc. But they won't admit it. A lot of men use it too! Loads of celebrities use Astrologers all the time and pay big bucks. But it is like underground in this country. So ridiculous! Just think about how many centuries this has been developed! Isn't it time for someone to give a professional look at this subject and show how it can help in therapy and other areas of a person's life?

[gaer]

I don't think astrology on TV will ever be successful in the US.

The Reagans privately consulted astrologers, but they denied it publicly, at least while Ronal Reagan was in office.

I think it is a very "underground" thing in the US.

[flea]

This is a link to the uk radio programme "In Our Time" and the episode on Renaissance Astrology. The presenter gets a bit of a shock when the academics open up to the possiblility of an active on going reality of astrology.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/history/inourtime/inourtime_20070614.shtml

Fascinating programme all up really, lost of strange topics. This progamme really takes a serious view of astrology. Albeit from a historical perspective. Think this has been posted elsewhere here too.

Love Light Flea

[flea]

Incidently I am also thinking that astrologers have a very good working knowledge of the classics, through the understanding of the symbolism of astrology, something that has now been lost completely in our education system. What was once central to education is part of outsider knowledge??

Love Light Flea

[planetmotion]

Hello charmvirgo and all,
The problem about getting astrology onto British mainstream national TV stems from certain OFCOM rules, (which you can see on to their website, link below). When I heard what they proposed in 2002 I wrote to the ITC, the previous governing body to protest. The rules then stated astrology (along with palmistry, tarot and everything else considered 'occult' or divination, (possibly even including homeopathy)) could only be presented in two ways; one way is as 'entertainment', i.e. a jolly hit of smiley sun-sign stuff from a cosy sofa in the morning (and even that seems to be on the endangered species list), OR the rational approach, to disprove, à la Mr Dawkins.

Here is the A.A. of GB’s update on the situation between ofcom and astrology so far; certain wording has been changed but the attitude appears pretty much the same:

http://www.astrologer.com/aanet/news/ofcom/itc1.htm

And as we are talking astrology, here is a well-observed interpretation of ofcom’s chart:

http://www.astrology21.co.uk/b1ofcom.html

Last link reveals our knotty problem: OFCOM’s site, where you can see the ‘official’ British approach to televised astrology:

http://search.ofcom.org.uk/search?q=astrology&submit=Go&site=AllofOfcom&proxystylesheet=default_frontend&output=xml_no_dtd&sort=date%3AD%3AS%3Ad1&client=default_frontend&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8

Most fascinating is that ofcom think that by not showing astrology they are protecting the under 18’s! Protecting them from what exactly? From being their own unique selves?

This stance makes me recall being in the Himalayas in the mid-nineties with an elderly American lady called Sadhana, at the time in her late seventies, she was so grateful that she had studied astrology; her understanding was that without a horoscope most people never really have the tools to understand themselves. She likened not knowing your chart to being intellectually, emotionally, and psychically crippled, which is an interesting and wise take. Sadhana also thought it necessary to teach astrology in schools. I couldn’t agree more. Flea also mentions this in one of his posts.

There are however, a few snippets in the ofcom guidelines that make this astrologer wonder what are the real reasons for Ofcom’s policy. To be honest I stopped trying to evaluate what they intended long before reaching the end of four tedious papers, as reading between the lines it seems the number one reason why astrology is not broadcast is that it empowers people. Another reason that you won’t find officially written, may be how the main networks are beholden to a dominantly conservative and traditional Christian board and while God is good etc having watched several discussions about Christianity and Saturnalia’s Christmas celebrations on this and other forums, it looks like a growing number of astrologers are now seriously clued up on their history, as well as their art and science, and if they were allowed free reign… well, heaven knows what would happen!?! Spiritual evolution? Altrusim? Peace? The ability to placate a depleted host planet by using renewable resources? A flourishing culture in a society where people know themselves? Business deals where everyone gets what they need? Winning medals at the upcoming Olympic games? A world where everyone is fed? Phew, the list of possible positivity is endless…
From which we have to protect the children?:34:
For the record, way back in 1987, when the T Saturn/Uranus conjunction hit my 1st house Sagittarian NN at the GC, I was the originating factor when three young women with bright red lipstick put out a proposal for astrology on TV. Initially presented on paper with a very striking letterhead to catch the editor’s eye, it took over three years of meetings and revisions to eventually produce 12 x 15-minute shows for C4 in the autumn of 1990. I wanted to make a ‘youth’ programme, which we did – including showing the entire horoscope of a celebrity (and as it was in the days before computer wizardry, we used painted stopcocks as planets! Our zodiac wheel has beautifully graced the window of the ‘Equinox Astrology Shop’ Neal’s Yard, in London’s Covent Garden ever since). ‘The Astrology Show’ was originally scheduled for an evening slot (what a coup, we thought), but it was suddenly buried at the last minute into a Sunday morning, so disappointing when everyone you know is either asleep or out – not to mention all my glitzy Leonine evening frocks looked decidedly out of place!

What was also funny was how five-year-old kids would roll up and say, “Oh, you’re that astrololololog – I like your Moon chair!” And although our ratings rose up to almost 1.5 million viewers to prove it wasn’t just tongue-tied toddlers that made up quite a lot of bums on seats – even at that hour of the morning – the network’s excuse was that it wasn’t enough to re-commission. Besieged at the time by a zillion personal issues, which I won’t go into, I took a back seat. Several years later I was told by someone who worked in the business that among the powers that had made that decision were influential Christians from ITC, and it was they who had lobbied to axe the show. I have no idea if that is true, but even at that time it felt as though we had somehow slipped through a pinprick in a plutocratic Saturn wall, with a mission to shine the light of astrology to the masses.

While we have been the only British television show to have been solely dedicated to Astrology, it should also be noted that Julia Parker, the doyenne of popular astrology, was also involved in an ‘Anglia’ production called ‘Zodiac’ in the mid- 70’s, when a panel of experts, i.e. palmist, graphologist and so on, would guess the celebrity. It was wonderful to watch the amazing Julia, bless her, as she always got it right – I remember one such programme when she identified a red-headed opera singer bang on with Mars in Taurus rising – what joy to witness astrology in action! I am hazy about the dates of this transmission, and can find nothing on the Internet to confirm, so Saturn may have been trine or square Uranus.

Twenty plus years since the inception of 'the astrology show' during the conjunction, Saturn and Uranus are now in opposition. To my mind this is another moment for concretising of astrology into the collective. I really hope and pray another terrestrial astrology show will surface. Instinct tells me that astrology, both as subject and learning tool, has found even greater success via Satellite and Internet – therfore sidestepping dear old UK’s patriarchal ofcom, which, incidentally has both Mercury and Saturn retrograde in its’ chart (which may be its’ Achilles heel?).

As much as I would love to see astrology on telly proper, if only as the cosmic weather report it is, I also love the enthusiasm and knowledge found and shared in the forum. The coming together of all kinds of astrologers from different nationalities of astrologers, with different experiences 24-7 is inspiring; I’ve certainly benefited and brushed-up on certain aspects of astrology since my forum discovery a couple of months ago. But I also think that the British astrological community needs to find a way to present astrology, so that our glorious subject (which, according to a certain Mr Dawkins, a quarter of the GB population believes in, and is therefore not catered for) finds its proper place in mainstream media – including television. So how does astrology bypass such legistlation? That is the question…


I wish whoever produces such a celestial project the very best of luck! I am most tempted to say it might be a good idea to look at this year’s Saturn-Uranus opposition and see where it lies across a chart to note how the horoscope can currently be a part of the (televised) astrological awakening. While we are so blessed to have the Uranian freedom to connect on the web, with Saturn in frame it also makes me wonder what kinds of regulations other countries have – if any, or too many. But that is probably another topic.


The key to any programme’s success is, in my opinion, the ability to make astrology entertaining and informative without being scarily awesome (and I think in our old show we did that quite well, with two out of three of our sections achieving the objective). But marketing, advertising, and the continued consent of the backers are essential for a generated buzz to be maintained.

That said, Mercury retrogrades notwithstanding, few astrologers are as brave as Derestanne, to put personal money where their mouth is and pay three months upfront for what sounded like a fabulous programme! Bravo Derestanne!

On that note, here’s to astrology being rediscovered in all forms of media. And with someone like charmvirgo on side, I would like to believe it will be soon!
With the blessings of compassionate love and crystal clear star light
from
:) planetmotion

[flea]

It is very sobering to see the limitations on how media is fed to us.....

Why not a weekly astrology programme on the interenet.... that would be soooo cool.....


Love Light Flea

[planetmotion]

Glorious idea, flea! Please take note, Radu. It would be brilliant to have a weekly youtube kind of thing on ASTROLOGYWEEKLY!:sunny:

It wasn’t my intention to put a Saturnian dampener on this idea – as I said I would love to see astrology at all levels in the mainstream, it’s just that GB’s offcom ‘guidelines’ are quite restrictive.

But why not make something for the internet? Especially if you can broadcast it from somewhere more receptive, like Romania? Of course, a weekly project would need backing? …. :)

An astrology programme doesn’t have to just be the usual talking heads; take some of charmvirgo’s ideas for a start

Meanwhile, I checked the upcoming Saturn-Uranus opposition, not only in my own chart (mc/ic), but that of the offcom chart too.

(I have yet to work out how to post charts, please click on the link below)

OFFCOM:
From http://www.astrology21.co.uk/b1ofcom.html (http://www.astrology21.co.uk/ofcom.PDF) and then click again on the right for the chart

29 December 2003 time 00:00:00
London lat 51:31 N long: 00:07 W

4 Libra 53 Asc – 6

The up coming transit of Saturn-Uranus opposition crosses the ofcom Moon in 6th H at 20 degree Pisces opposite Jupiter at 18 Virgo in the 12th H, which is T square its Sag Pluto in the 3rd.

Such a T square blasts corporate power in communication; during this year’s opposition could that supremacy morph into something other than being the supreme controller of citizen-consumer (offcom’s own terminology of what once was ‘the public’)? Uranus on the 6th house Pisces Moon suggests a kind of 9-2-5 people-power, of the ilk that is further tempered by the Virgoan Saturn, in his joy in the 12th.

A Moon/Saturn flavour already exists in offcom’s chart, with natal Saturn 6 Cancer 21, Cancer ruling the Moon, (where Saturn is a real dampener!). Although the Saturn is in fall in Cancer, its’ power is enhanced by being in the 10th, the natural house of Saturn. This suggests that despite being weak by sign it, the offcom Saturn, actually holds quite a strong position, challenged by the illusive and image conscious Venus Neptune conjunction in Aquarius. It’s difficult to see offcom changing its TV rules to accommodate what people want to see without a struggle. With celebrity obsessed Venus-Neptune zapping the connection wires from a restrictive home base, one has to ask the question if offcom has anything other in mind than stirring up endless distractions in the guise of glamour for its citizen-consumers?

But what if the citizen-consumer was to go on a ‘media fast’, and not watch any telly until an astrology show were made, that would certainly be a new interpretation of offcom's two retrograde planets Saturn-Mercury in opposition!

Last note for the night: Its also interesting that this topic has come up (for me) during the Mercury retrograde that aspects offcom’s Venus Neptune. Perhaps we, as astrologers, need to put our re-thinking caps on and figure out a way schmoozing the powers that be!

with compassionate love and clear moon light,
plan-mo

[planetmotion]

Hello Shining Ray and Charmvirgo, Thanks for airing all your thoughts; it is very encouraging to see how astrology in the media is being taken seriously within the profession. That said I am not up-to-date with English telly at all it seems (which is not surprising,as we haven't had one for a few years!), so I wondered, SR, if you knew what the show by Russell G is called? Is a 'stand alone', every week? Or is it a part of another show, in a morning slot? Or is it satellite? Are there more of the 'Image' interviews on the net? It's interesting to watch, but I can see there are problems, trying to placate producers/networks, and still get the astro-message across.

You’re both absolutely right: the vast and rich imagery that can be associated with astrology is lacking (even in the well-intentioned film the Return of the Magi, it still looks like a bunch of uncannily similar looking wizards as talking heads, postulating astro wonders), when it could be so much more….

And I also have to agree how it is unfortunate that uk's ofcom insists upon astrology's 'light entertainment' only status (or the other disprove route). But if we never give up and keep on keeping on, doing what we can to implement a change of policy, little by little the glory of astrology will filter into the collective consciousness - eventually.

and Charm Virgo, I'm working on it...! Albeit slowly, slowly…
I also still need to think about your astute Pluto in Virgo take a little more... so will get back to you on that one...

On a personal note, Shining Ray, your current little kitty looks just like my Dolly Boots – such a little beauty!

Here's wishing you very happy stars for Valentine
with compassionate love and clear moon light

[planetmotion]

Hello charmvirgo and Shining Ray,
I wanted to let you know that I watched the whole of Strictly Supernatural and thought it was marvellous. The script, with Christopher lee reading, was well written and explained quite difficult concepts clearly - they also had a wardrobe and props budget, as well as rostrum cameras, all very proffesionaly. Although, with a title like that I kept thinking our wonderful Nick Campion was about to don a sparkly t shirt and twirl around the icy cosmos! Only joking! :D

Seriously, the first part must be quite old by now? I googled 'Cafe Productions': the show was made 11 years ago in 1997 for the US Discovery Channel. How it slipped by me then made sense, as I was living full time in India 96-97. And when I got back to the UK astrology was/is but a part of the big picture, and not the only story! (Nonetheless, it takes up most of my time!)

The search on the now defunct Cafe Productions also showed this:

http://www.truthseekingsouls.com/spirit_soul/astrology.html

I have yet to watch anything else, though.

But I have been thinking about the idea of filming astrology again, cheaply - not that I have any burning desire to get in front of a camera, but I thought I'd air the idea of hooking people up together who are interested in making visual astrology at one of the summer festivals? At a Rainbow Astrology Camp perhaps, or with the British Wheel of Astrologers (who always like a drama - albeit ceremonial!), wherever doesn't matter as long creativity can flow unhindered. Whatever is filmed could then be given to someone more computer literate to give it that 'slick' look that we expect today. That said, this Cancerian Sun is going to be re-locating this year (and you know how important that is!). I guess what I am saying is that with the current Uranus Saturn opposition, it is we, the people, who have to take responsibility into his or her own hands (and we have two years and five his of this aspect). Meaning we have time to make it ourselves. Who knows, all this may change and ofcom may reverse their ruling and astrology may be allowed to be more than our dear ol' Russell giving his flamboyant Aquarian all (which he does so well!)!? But even he is restricted - imagine what it would be like otherwise!

Meanwhile, let's keep brainstorming...

[planetmotion]

It has just been announced that Sir Ridley Scott is currently casting for a film about Reagan and Gorbachev during the historic Iceland meeting - I wonder if he will indlude all the timing deduced by Joan Quigly, who was the White House Astrologer at the time. Now that would definately get astrology into the public eye! I think I'll write to him and encourage him to do so.

Heres the beeb's link to the story, which may be worth keeping an eye on!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7264441.stm

[planetmotion]

Quick note: I wanted you both to know that I wrote to Ridley Scott, but am still wating to hear... Am telling you now because Shining Ray says she is to leave the forum (please don't go, SR, you're a fabulous astrologer). Will let you know when and if there are further developments.
All the best

[planetmotion]

Hi Charmvirgo, thanks for your message.
I appreciate how frustrating it is not to have astrology as we know it in mainstream culture. I couldn't agee more in that it would actually benefit those in power to have people realise their full potential; but it seems we have a long way to go.

Regarding the esoteric-e company, I believe Adam and co do some good guest spots for destiny TV, E4, and the like. But still it is a far cry from what you are looking for. Alas, the situation is unlikely to get any better with this new European Union law coming into place:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUKL1890493420080418?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

Although I am not sure what the position will be for astrologers, per se with this new 'fortune tellers law', I do think the 'sure outcome' argument ought to be extended to our dear politicians, who should also be held accountable when they 'get it wrong'! Hummm, somehow I don't think they will go for that!:D

Meanwhile (for anyone new reading) here's that presentation again from the AA regarding ofcom:

http://www.astrologicalassociation.com/about/responses/ofcom/respond.php

All food for thought.
Who knows what Uranus in Pisces will eventuall bring!;)
Let's remain positive and hope that one day something will come through...
Yours, with love and best wishes

[charmvirgo]

hi Derestanne

Pity your radio programme died. I had not thought about radio, almost as good but with a smaller audience.

HI planetmotion

It not make sense that Astrology is lumped in with the paranormal, mediums, black magic, exorcism, voodoo etc and attempts to possess, manipulate, emotionally exploit, harm and ridicule!

According to the way Astrology works, the Sun sign newspaper interpretations are the worst example of Astrology and nobody has been harmed by this.
ASTROLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
Astrology is based upon theoretical formulations about observable phenomena. It is a system of analysis that is based on defined principles and rules for interpreting astrological factors in a birth chart, i.e., the map of planetary positions in the sky for the time, date and location of an individual’s birth - an event. Potentially the interpretation of these factors may be learnt / acquired by any person.

It does not require any occult skills or powers of mystical divination, with or without a medium or contact “with the other side”. Computers can and have been programmed to generate insightful reports with no psychic involvement whatsoever.
If there are special indefinable and intangible skills they are in the synthesis of the various elements and factors suggested by the calculations, that is down to special individual skills – and that is as true of a doctor or a scientist as it is of an astrologer.


I got a reply from Adam at the esoteric company saying the problem is OFCOM / being only restricted to Sun sign predictions / that advertising revenue is required. Adam also said:the fact that phone line revenue has now been challenged coupled with the very stringent ASA rules, will make it impossible to achieve advertising to launch a TV channel that was based around the subjects. I know one project that was looking at the feasibility of a channel in a Spirit & Destiny / Prediction on TV format that has effectively fallen through because of the changes. Just pick up one of those magazines (or even a general women’s magazines) and you will see how much content is phone line based.


The only hope then is films, which are not under the same restrictions. If one were made with Astrology as the centre of the story and presented just right with good acting and filming etc, it would be a good way to capture and inspire a wider public to the ideas of Astrology.
Well I don't know who you would contact or put the idea to, or who would write the script etc...?

A long way to go is putting it mildly.

[SagiCap]

I don't think astrology on TV will ever be successful in the US.

The Reagans privately consulted astrologers, but they denied it publicly, at least while Ronal Reagan was in office.

I think it is a very "underground" thing in the US.

So did Hillary Clinton for sure.

[Matthew The Astrologer]

Actually, there IS a regular, serious astrological dating show in Spanish. It's called "12 Corazones" ("Twelve Hearts"). It's a thoughtful and serious exploration of astrology and dating, and it intelligently demonstrates..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygAeVBNPJeo

Oh, never mind.

:)